Australasian Consortium Of Centres For Clinical Cognitive Research

AC4R

The AC4R is the key body in promoting, facilitating and coordinating both commercially-sponsored and investigator-initiated dementia and cognition trials in Australia. The network provides an effective communication channel between local clinicians and study sponsors and has played an increasingly important role in attracting studies throughout Australasia. A central part of what the AC4R does is to assist sponsors in determining the feasibility of conducting new studies in our region and to set appropriate recruitment forecasts. We do this by reviewing the study protocol, budget and study logistics, and number of Australian sites required in the context of current competing studies. This process allows the early identification of potential problems with local ethics committees and draws on an intimate understanding of local capabilities.

Aims

To give a thorough review of study protocols, budgets, study logistics and a guidance on the number of Australian sites required for a study.

To help research organisations identify centres appropriate for any proposed new trial.

To ensure a coordinated strategy for involvement of the Australasian region in International clinical cognitive disorder research trials.

To assist sponsors in determining feasibility when conducting new studies within the Australasian region.

To identify the potential problems of local ethics committees and grasp an understanding of their local capabilities.

To establish a forum for the exchange of communication of information with local clinicians and study sponsors.